Hi Mike, nope the problem is not solved. I do know that #5 has failed every time. I can see the sides pulling loose before I pour out the excess slip. The defects are at the least very interesting. I have been testing different methods of pouring. At least I get two or three that come out each time. Some of the failures are good on three sides and caved in on the fourth. Sometimes the entire tiki is inside the mold all collapsed. I'll keep working on it. Wendy

I left them in the mold for several days, these are the shapes they were inside the molds all firm and leather hard.

Hi Mike, No this last time it was three different molds as shown in the three photos. But I do know that number five fails every time. I've written the numbers down so I'll see if I ever get a good cast from one that has failed in the past. I'm going to let them dry out for a few more days then try again. Wendy
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FORBIDDEN ISLAND TIKI CRATE: Big time correction. None of the sides were pulling loose after the slip was poured into the mold. I was looking at part of the mug that was indented and miss-interpreting what I was seeing. So every mug that was ruined was because the slip was being poured out too fast and the cast was pulled loose from the sides like a deflating balloon. I did a set where the slip was slowly poured out and they were all perfect. I learn from my mistakes. Thank you Poptiki, MadDogMike and Gecko for all your helpful suggestions. Wendy

Hi Wendy, love this thread! I've only had this happen once and it was because I was in a rush and poured out the slip too early. It was just too thin and wet to hold itself up. I was able to tilt the mold during the drying process and saved the bowl. Also it helps if the plaster is really dry to soak up the moisture from the clay. I like to leave my molds out in the hot Maui sun during the day, because I usually pour at night after work. Good to hear you've got it worked out. Must be nice to have so many friends helping you out. I wish I could get Gecko to make molds for me!

YAY WENDY!!!! Glad you solved your problem! In hindsight, I guess there is no way that it could pull away from the mold while it was full - it would have to collapse after the excess slip was poured out.

Thank you MauiTiki and MadDogMike, I have needed help. I'm posting on the Sacramento Crawl Thread my step by step in making the Crawl Decanter. Dan and I will be doing our first mold (of the decanter) in the future and it will have 6 pieces. We may practice on something easier first. I will post photos for the Decanter on that thread any thing else will go here.

The train is on the track, we are pouring super slow and nothing but success now.

Dan does the heavy work and clean up. So what's left for me? I supervise!
His motto is "Will Work For Tikis" so I have to make a couple for him.

We are starting to see progress as the shelves start to fill. Cheers, Wendy

Thank you Zerotiki and Maui Tiki, you fellows are special and I love your art.

Every day we are up early to pour the Forbidden Island mugs. VampiressRn said her favorite photos I've posted are on my carving thread and feature Dan sweeping. When she found out that Dan is now mopping she requested a photo. Hey Vamp you said Dan is a fashionista, you are right check out his shoes! Wendy

He is also pouring them since I hurt my thumb.
We are half way to my goal of 50 mugs and 50 statues.
More glaze testing.